However, she instead decided to continue with her defense and the trial date was set.

McPherson was charged in March with vehicular homicide, possession of methamphetamine and possession of heroin in connection to a fatal crash reported at 8:42 p.m. Dec. 24, 2016, near the intersection of Forest-Napavine Road and state Route 508 near Napavine.

McPherson, the driver, was injured in the crash. Her passenger, identified by the Washington State Patrol as Thomas Lininger, 43, of Chehalis, was pronounced dead at the scene.